Life can often take unexpected turns and lead us down paths we never imagined. For Frank Fritz, a familiar face on American television, his off-screen life took a tragic and difficult path. The story of his life is one of grief and loss that affected his career, health, and sobriety.
Sometimes life doesn’t take us in the direction we expect. Frank Fritz was a mainstay of American television, but away from the camera, he was going through terrible hardships.
Here is a terrifying account of his life.
Diann Bankson was the love of Frank Fritz’s life. Their painful divorce ultimately cost him his sobriety, his job, and his health. Even though they are no longer together, the memories they had will be a part of their lives forever.
When “American Pickers” host Frank Fritz and Diann Bankson first met, they were both 25 years old. They had an on-and-off relationship that culminated in an engagement in 2017. They eventually started a family and bought a farm in Iowa in 2018.
When Bankson said in November that Fritze “walked in” and “caught him in bed with another woman,” their relationship reportedly began to unravel.
In the interview, Fritz said that Bankson cheated on him and that he got the tattoo to serve as a constant reminder of her “betrayal.” However, he claimed that he still has affection for her and longs for marriage.
Fritz claimed he was cheated after claiming: “I was going to get married, I bought a house and a big expensive ring and then I found out my fiance had been dating someone else for two and a half years.”
Fritz said, “She’s the one who cheats, and that’s why I got a tattoo of ‘Once a cheater, always a cheater,'” when asked why he got the ink that said, “Once a cheater, always a cheater.” He went on to add that working with Bankson “cost” him a ton of money.
He started drinking to help heal his wounded heart. He claimed that it allowed him to overcome his sense of loss. This significantly reduced his weight. Fritz stated, “I gave it my all.” I got drunk trying to intimidate her.
ÂÂÂÂÂView this post on InstagramÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ
He decided to put dating on hold while he dealt with his drinking because his breakup with Bankson “stung enough”.
After the breakup, his career also experienced problems. He reportedly quit anchoring “American Pickers” on the History Channel in March 2020, according to The Sun.
Fritz stated that his absence was required for medical reasons and that he hoped to rejoin the show after his back surgery had fully healed. I would like to come back for another appearance on the show,” said Fritz. I have fully recovered and am looking forward to getting back to work.
Fritz said the program has not given any clear information on whether or not he will return. However, he admitted that the showrunner contacted him and promised him a return to the program.
Fritz has hosted the show for eleven years, but according to TMZ, “there are no plans” for him to return.
Eric Longlett, manager of engineering administration, was not welcomed back when Bankson announced him on her program as her new partner. She took to social media to express her affection for him and her joy at meeting him.
Captioning a photo of herself with Longlett and Elton John, she said: “He took me on Elton John’s farewell tour with Yellow Brick Road.” I realize how lucky I am in life. Baby, I adore you.
On July 4, 2022, Fritz suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. His friend immediately called for help when he saw him on the ground. The companion said, “He could be having a seizure, I’m not sure,” in a 911 call obtained by The US Sun.
Fritz’s father, Bill Fritz, told the media that his son is doing better every day and will make a full recovery.
ÂÂÂÂÂView this post on InstagramÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ
However, his progress was not as significant as the medical staff had anticipated. After leaving the hospital, he was given custody and transferred to a nursing facility.
His “long-time friend” reportedly requested and was granted an emergency appointment for temporary guardianship and conservatorship on August 18, 2022.
His assets were placed in bank custody and his friend was appointed guardian.
As his trustee, the bank should see to it that his nursing facility has enough money set aside for things like food, medicine, maintenance, and property taxes. His reliable transportation to and from his numerous errands and medical appointments would be provided by a financial institution.
ÂÂÂÂÂView this post on InstagramÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ
His friend is his legal representative and as such participated in “stroke decision-making” and created an “initial care plan” on behalf of the patient.
To achieve this, the guardian would have to make decisions on his behalf about his living arrangements, current residence, health status, medical needs, participation in activities, and interactions with friends, family, and potential romantic partners. As his guardian, he would have to file an annual report.
His paperwork said “physical injury or illness may occur” if he were to make decisions on his own due to his deteriorating health.
ÂÂÂÂÂView this post on InstagramÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ
His health was much worse than previously believed, evidenced by documents that said he was unable to “make, communicate or make important decisions regarding his own financial affairs”.
Until he is well enough to “receive treatment for his injuries”, his guardian will have to make decisions for him.
Fritz needs a guardian to protect his health from further harm, according to the court. The court ordered the appointment of a guardian and administrator to look after his best interests and prevent “imminent harm”.
ÂÂÂÂÂView this post on InstagramÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂÂ
The story of Frank Fritz’s life is full of heartbreak, loss, and adversity. The impact of a bitter breakup, career setbacks, and health complications was profound. However, in the face of these difficulties, we can warmly wish him recovery and a better future. Let’s hope Frank Fritz finds strength, support, and healing as he continues to navigate the winding paths of his life.
What a scary and sad story. We wish Frank Fritz a speedy recovery.